“I am not part of the problem. I am a Republican.”

–Dan Quayle

Of the many areas of scenic wonder in the Hamptons one still must be aware that there are towns and villages you may want to steer clear of if you’re a Manhattan dweller. Much of the money which supports the Hamptons comes from us in New York City. Many of the current residents once were NYC families or now are second generation escapees seeking an easier, more lucrative lifestyle compliments of Hamptons Civil Service where in Southampton or Westhampton Beach one can draw several pensions simultaneously. You can even be a convicted criminal like former D.A. Thomas Spota or Chief of Police Jimmy Burke and still collect — even while in prison!

The Preservation Fund is an example of the Long Con which is the brainchild of former assemblymember Fred Thiele of Sag Harbor. This multi-billion dollar scam, collected from each one who buys a house in Southampton, purportedly to be used to buy land to set aside away from developers in order to maintain the pristine shores and pastoral beauty. Its real use, however, is to support local politicians, assist in buying votes, reward cronies in office and maintain slush funds. It functions ahead of its close second — the auctions of seized vehicles that support law enforcement budgets. Not a word about building affordable housing though, folks.

What is so insulting to the average New Yorker is the fact that there is no apology for ripping us off. And, there is no pretense of the Democracy that we are in the process of watch slip away. In Westhampton Beach Village, for example, the former Mayor now runs Southampton Town, and the newest chieftain is a real estate agent. The Westhampton Village Attorney, a character named Tony Pasca, is a local law firm partner at Esseks, Hefter, Angel, Di Talia & Pasca and also runs the legal show along with a few others who make inside deals and divvy up power. Attempts at breaking into this little club are impossible without showing fealty and paying the price. Legal motions without making the right offer result in denials and defamatory legal motions. Lies and defamation are well-tolerated in the Hamptons and there’s a price if you need to go through a committee like the ZBA in Westhampton Beach Village to build a house. Its a Kangaroo Court that requires stupidity, fealty, or cash. Take your pick.

If you hit the mark look to that beacon of defamation, The Southampton Press to support you in print.

But, wait, the Republican Party Chairman in Southampton is a former Village cop. We can relax. And, the former D.A. was just released from prison. Funny, the Southampton Press never even mentioned his conviction.

Stay Tuned